The University of Miami and the Consulate General of France in Miami hosted a ceremony to recognize the service of Norman Kaiser, Andrew Kunkle and Arthur Nagler who fought alongside France in World War II.

Kaiser, 89, said it was a “rewarding” experience for him to attend the event and be recognized for his service.

Each of the trio was awarded the insignia of the “Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor.” It’s the highest distinction that can be awarded on a French citizen or foreigner.

The university also honored Noel Christian Pace, a second-year law student who was recently promoted to colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

The 6-foot, 3-inch paratrooper and lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, came to Miami Law after a successful career in both military and civilian healthcare management.”

A Distinguished Military Graduate of Tulane University’s Army ROTC program, Pace earned his master’s degree in health administration from Baylor University. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver.

Pace served in Korea and Iraq as well as in Colombia for Operation Willing Spirit in 2008. He entered UM Law in 2012 and was selected as a J.W. Johnson/R.H. Waters Fellow. He was elected president of the Health Law Association.